FCT bans EndSARS protests for violating COVID-19 rules

 The FCTA says ongoing protests endanger the lives of everyone in the capital city.

Protests against police brutality have taken place every day for over a week in Abuja and many other states across Nigeria [Premium Times]

The security committee of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has placed a ban on protests in the capital city over safety fears.

Nigerians have been protesting nationwide for over a week for the scrapping of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force, a unit with a long history of abuse of power.

Even though the government dissolved the unit earlier this week, protesters have refused to back down, expressing discontent with the government's measures.

ALSO READ: EndSARS protests bigger than just about SARS

In a statement released by the FCT administration on Thursday, October 15, 2020, the security committee decided at its October 13 meeting that the protests are in violation of safety rules.

The committee alleged that the peaceful protesters have been behaving in an unruly manner, and caused inconveniences to others in the capital city.

The meeting was presided by FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello [Guardian]

The committee also alleged that the protesters have failed to comply with COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings.

The committee's meeting, presided over by FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, resolved that the ongoing protests endanger the lives of everyone in the capital city.

"All street demonstrations, protests, and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT," the statement read.

The statement failed to state the consequences for violating the ban, but at least 10 protesters have been killed, and many assaulted by police officers since the protests started over a week ago.

Hoodlums have also attacked the protesters in Lagos and Abuja and injured some while also damaging property.